Exodus 38 17

Exodus 38:17 kjv

And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

Exodus 38:17 nkjv

The sockets for the pillars were bronze, the hooks of the pillars and their bands were silver, and the overlay of their capitals was silver; and all the pillars of the court had bands of silver.

Exodus 38:17 niv

The bases for the posts were bronze. The hooks and bands on the posts were silver, and their tops were overlaid with silver; so all the posts of the courtyard had silver bands.

Exodus 38:17 esv

And the bases for the pillars were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. The overlaying of their capitals was also of silver, and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

Exodus 38:17 nlt

Each post had a bronze base, and all the hooks and rings were silver. The tops of the posts of the courtyard were overlaid with silver, and the rings to hold up the curtains were made of silver.

Exodus 38 verses

Exodus 38 17 Meaning

Exodus 38:17 describes a specific component of the Tabernacle's outer court: the screening curtain that served as the entrance gate. It specifies that this gate curtain was twenty cubits wide, and was supported by four pillars which were set into four corresponding bases. This verse details the dimensions and structural supports for the single point of entry into the holy space, emphasizing the precise nature of God's instructions for His dwelling place among His people.

Exodus 38 17 Context

Exodus 38 falls within the larger narrative of the Tabernacle's construction (Exodus 35-40), following the detailed divine instructions provided in Exodus 25-31. Chapter 38 specifically outlines the making of the brazen altar, the court's hangings and pillars (both side walls and the gate itself), and concludes with an inventory of the precious metals used. Verse 17 focuses on the eastern entrance of the Tabernacle court, the sole point of entry. Historically, this precise adherence to divine architectural blueprints for a portable sanctuary was vital for the Israelites in the wilderness. It visually reinforced God's unique dwelling presence among them, emphasizing order, controlled access, and holiness in their approach to Him.

Exodus 38 17 Word analysis

• The hangings (הַמָּסָךְ hammasakh): This Hebrew term masakh specifically refers to a "screen" or "curtain" used for an entrance. Unlike the more general term for "curtains" used for the court walls (yelaim), masakh denotes an embroidered, often colored, and visible entryway. It signifies a point of controlled, rather than completely open, access. In a spiritual sense, this curtain symbolized a defined pathway for the initiated to approach God's presence, highlighting the distinction between the holy space and the common world, and requiring conscious action to enter.
• for the gate (לְשַׁעַר lesha'ar): Sha'ar means "gate" or "doorway." This identifies the hangings as the physical entry point to the Tabernacle court. Biblically, gates are not just passages but often places of judgment, meeting, and access (e.g., city gates). Here, it's the solitary gate into God's temporary dwelling, underscoring that access to God is on His terms.
• of the court (הֶחָצֵר hechatser): Chatser refers to an "enclosure" or "courtyard." This is the large outer area of the Tabernacle complex, accessible to all Israelites, but still consecrated. The gate leads into this outer holy space, distinct from the Tent of Meeting itself or its inner compartments.
• twenty cubits long (עֶשְׂרִים בָּאַמָּה esrim ba'ammah): The cubit (ammah) was an ancient measurement, approximately from elbow to fingertip (about 18 inches or 45 cm). The twenty-cubit length for the gate implies a significant, yet precisely measured, width. This precise dimension (one-fifth of the 100-cubit eastern side of the court) underscores the divine exactitude required in the Tabernacle's construction, showing God's demand for order and careful obedience in all aspects of worship. It also creates a funneling effect, leading individuals to a specific, defined entrance.
• with their four pillars (עַמֻּדֵיהֶם אַרְבָּעָה ammudeihem arba'ah): Ammud refers to "pillars" or "posts." These were vertical supports, implied to be of bronze overlaid with silver ornamentation based on descriptions in Exodus 38:10, 19. The number "four" signifies completeness and stability for this entryway, providing structural integrity. Spiritually, pillars can represent stability, support, and standing for truth (as seen in the church's role in 1 Tim 3:15).
• and four bases (וְאַדְנֵיהֶם אַרְבָּעָה ve'adneihem arba'ah): Eden (plural adnayim) means "base" or "socket," here specified as bronze (Exo 38:19). These are the heavy foundations into which the pillars were set. The bases anchored the structure firmly to the ground, allowing for the portability of the Tabernacle while ensuring its stability. They represent a secure and divinely provided foundation upon which the access point to God's presence rested.

Words-Group Analysis:

• The hangings for the gate of the court: This phrase highlights the specific function and placement of this unique curtain. It is not just a barrier but a divinely ordained "access point" into God's holy space. The beauty and material (implied from Exo 38:18-19, colorful embroidered work) of this entrance likely differentiated it from the simpler white linen curtains of the court walls, subtly inviting approach and signaling a unique, divinely designated entry.
• were twenty cubits long, with their four pillars and four bases: This descriptive group provides the quantitative and structural details of the gate. The precise measurements and number of supports emphasize the non-negotiable nature of God's design. This was not left to human discretion or aesthetics but mandated according to a divine blueprint. The solidity provided by four pillars and bases also implicitly teaches that access to God is stable and secure, provided one enters by His prescribed means.

Exodus 38 17 Bonus section

• Bronze Bases: While not explicitly stated in Exo 38:17 itself, verse 19 specifies that these four bases were made of bronze. Bronze (or copper) throughout the Tabernacle typically signifies judgment and atonement. For example, the brazen altar for sacrifices was bronze. The use of bronze bases for the gate pillars therefore symbolically implies that the foundation for approaching God's presence, even at the initial point of entry, is connected to the concept of substitutionary judgment.
• Portability vs. Immutability: The entire Tabernacle was designed for portability, disassembled and reassembled throughout the wilderness journey. Yet, every detail, including the gate, was of precise and unchanging dimensions. This contrasts the mobile nature of God's presence with the immutable nature of His divine decrees and standards for worship and access. His presence moves with His people, but His holiness and the way to approach Him remain fixed.
• The 'Twenty': The repeated number '20' for the width of the gate here, and again for its height in Exo 38:18, suggests a particular significance of this dimension within the sacred architecture. It emphasizes proportionality within the 100-cubit length of the eastern side, dedicating a significant, but specific, portion of that side to the main entrance.

Exodus 38 17 Commentary

Exodus 38:17, though appearing as a mundane architectural detail, holds significant theological depth. It precisely defines the single point of entry into the Tabernacle court, thereby underscoring God's meticulousness and His prerogative in setting the terms of access to His holy presence. The gate was not arbitrary; its specified dimensions and supports signify divine order and the need for humanity to approach God on His terms. The very act of entering through this gate was a symbolic step of leaving the common world and stepping into a consecrated space, emphasizing separation and the call to holiness.

In the larger biblical narrative, this gate foreshadows Christ. Just as there was only one entrance into the Tabernacle court, so too does the New Testament present Jesus Christ as "the door" (John 10:7, 9) and "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), through whom alone humanity can approach the Father. The tearing of the temple curtain (which symbolized the inner barrier, parokhet) at Christ's death (Matt 27:51) signifies that through His sacrifice, the way to God's immediate presence is now freely and eternally opened to all who believe, without the need for the physical Tabernacle or its strict ceremonial gate. Thus, this ancient verse, rooted in God's specific architectural commands, subtly points to the ultimate and perfectly established way of salvation provided in Jesus Christ.